A new online petition calling for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) to be increased in-line with the current rate of inflation to help with the rising costs of living has received more than 24,000 signatures of support. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded saying there are “no plans” to review the current payment rates.
The ‘Increase Statutory Maternity Pay in line with cost of living crisis’ petition has been created by Nicola Black and closes in November 2022, which means despite the DWP response, if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Ms Black has outlined how Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is currently paid at 90% of average weekly earnings, before tax, for the first six weeks. It is then £156.66 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks. This averages £7, 500 per year.
